A pixel art editor lets you create retro-style artwork pixel by pixel. Use pencil, fill, and eraser tools on a grid canvas, choose from a classic 16-color palette or pick any custom color, and export your creation as a scaled PNG — perfect for game sprites, icons, and retro designs.
Click or drag to draw. Keyboard: P=pencil, F=fill, E=eraser, I=eyedropper
How to Create Pixel Art Online
Pixel art is a form of digital art where images are created and edited at the pixel level. It originated with early video games and remains popular for game development, icon design, and retro aesthetics. This editor gives you the core tools you need in your browser — no software to install.
Choosing Your Grid Size
Start by selecting the grid size: 16×16 for small sprites and icons, 32×32 for detailed characters and objects, or 64×64 for scenes and complex compositions. Smaller grids are easier to start with — a 16×16 sprite forces you to make every pixel count, which is a great constraint for learning.
Using the Drawing Tools
The pencil tool lets you paint individual pixels by clicking or dragging. The fill tool (bucket icon) flood-fills an area with the selected color — useful for filling large solid areas quickly. The eraser removes pixels, making them transparent. The eyedropper lets you click any pixel to pick its color and set it as your active color.
Working with Colors
The 16-color palette covers the classic CGA and NES color sets. For custom colors, use the color picker input. Click any palette swatch or the current color display to change your active drawing color. Pixel art typically uses a limited palette of 4-16 colors for a cohesive look — resist the urge to use too many colors.
Exporting Your Pixel Art
When you're done, choose an export scale. At 1x, a 32×32 image exports as a 32px PNG — technically correct but tiny on screen. At 8x scale it exports at 256×256px, and at 16x it's 512×512px. Use 8x or 16x for sharing on social media or using as a game asset. The exported PNG has a transparent background where no pixels were drawn.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Switch tools quickly with keyboard shortcuts: P for pencil, F for fill, E for eraser, I for eyedropper. Use Ctrl+Z (or Cmd+Z on Mac) to undo up to 20 steps. The Clear button resets the canvas to transparent.
FAQ
Is the Pixel Art Editor free?
Yes, completely free with no account required. Draw pixel art in your browser and download your creation as a PNG file.
Is my pixel art saved anywhere?
No. Everything runs locally in your browser. Your pixel art is not uploaded to any server. Use the export button to save it as a PNG file.
What grid sizes are available?
You can choose between 16x16, 32x32, and 64x64 pixel grids. 16x16 is great for game sprites and icons. 32x32 is the most popular size for detailed pixel art. 64x64 allows for more complex compositions.
What tools are available for drawing?
The editor includes a pencil tool for drawing individual pixels, a paint bucket fill tool for flood-filling areas, an eraser tool, and an eyedropper for picking colors from the canvas. All tools support click-and-drag for continuous drawing.
How do I export my pixel art at a larger size?
When downloading, choose a scale multiplier: 1x (original), 8x, or 16x. At 16x scale, a 32x32 pixel art image exports at 512x512 pixels — clear, sharp, and suitable for use as an app icon or game asset.
Can I undo mistakes?
Yes. Use Ctrl+Z (or Cmd+Z on Mac) to undo up to 20 steps. The undo history is maintained per session.